Autonomous Reverse Steering for Obstacle Maneuvering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous vehicles lack an efficient solution for navigating steep curves and obstacles, often requiring manual intervention when the vehicle's velocity does not provide sufficient space to maneuver, especially in scenarios with high forward steering angles.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous navigation system that includes an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) which calculates a reverse steering angle based on the forward steering angle and determines a distance to maneuver obstacles by instructing the vehicle to terminate steering in the forward path and steer in a reverse path at the calculated angle for the determined distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the vehicle maintains high velocity to improve productivity, then the vehicle can cover distance faster, but the vehicle cannot maneuver obstacles or navigate steep curves safely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle speedVSAvoidmaneuvering safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts velocity based on real-time path analysis and obstacle detection. The ECU continuously monitors the path and modifies velocity parameters to match current driving conditions, allowing high speed on safe paths and reduced speed when maneuvering is required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensor feedback to detect obstacles and path characteristics, then feeds this information back to the ECU which adjusts velocity and steering commands accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the vehicle to respond to changing conditions and maintain safety while optimizing speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the vehicle uses a simple forward steering approach to reduce device complexity, then the steering system is easier to control, but the vehicle cannot navigate steep curves or maneuver obstacles effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering control systemVSAvoidpath navigation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces reverse path steering as an inverted approach to traditional forward-only navigation. When the forward steering angle exceeds the threshold, the ECU calculates a reverse steering angle and executes steering in the opposite direction, enabling the vehicle to navigate steep curves and maneuver obstacles using a counterintuitive but effective method

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the steering angle parameter from simple forward steering to calculated reverse steering based on path analysis. The ECU dynamically adjusts the steering angle parameter, switching between forward and reverse steering modes depending on the situation, thereby expanding navigation capabilities without complex hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the vehicle requires manual intervention to navigate difficult paths to ensure safety, then the vehicle can handle complex scenarios, but the level of automation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation safetyVSAvoidautonomous steering capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the vehicle to autonomously detect obstacles, analyze paths, calculate reverse steering angles, and execute maneuvering commands without human intervention. The ECU performs all necessary calculations and control actions independently, allowing the vehicle to handle complex scenarios autonomously while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical steering intervention with an electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators. The ECU substitutes human operator actions with automated electronic control, achieving both high automation and safety through intelligent algorithms and real-time processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10613540B2Method and system for autonomously steering a vehicle in a reverse path in real-time

Publication Date: 2020.04.07 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses method and an autonomous navigation system for autonomously steering a vehicle in a reverse path in real-time. The method comprises instructing to terminate steering of the vehicle in a forward path when a forward steering angle calculated between an orientation of the vehicle and a direction of the forward path is more than a predefined threshold value, calculating a reverse steering angle based on the forward steering angle for steering the vehicle in a reverse path, receiving data of one or more obstacles in the reverse path, determining a distance for steering the vehicle in the reverse path based on the one or more obstacles and the reverse steering angle and instructing the vehicle to steer in the reverse path at the reverse steering angle for the distance. Thus, the present disclosure provides an efficient and simple method for maneuvering obstacles in the forward path.